INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED TRANSITIONING TO CAGE-FREE EGGS

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – (April 4, 2016) – Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today announced it will support the industry-wide transition to cage-free hen housing by shifting its own egg sales to cage-free, joining a growing list retailers, restaurants, food manufacturers and egg producers that have announced similar plans.

Under the company's new plan, Ingles' goal is to have 100% of both the shell and liquid eggs it sells come from cage-free hens by 2025.

"Ingles supports the industry’s cage-free trajectory, and looks forward to working with our suppliers to achieve a cage-free supply chain,” said Ron Freeman, Ingles' Chief Financial Officer. "This shift represents a natural part of Ingles' ongoing work to ensure animals in our supply chain are provided with the 'Five Freedoms' of animal welfare, including the ability to engage in their natural behaviors."

The Humane Society of the United States supports Ingles' move.

"We applaud Ingles for addressing this important animal welfare issue," said Matthew Prescott, senior food policy director for The Humane Society of the United States. "This commitment to offer products that come at a value and align with consumers' values is a positive move for animals and customers alike."

About Ingles Markets, Incorporated

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 202 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market's Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, visit Ingles' website www.ingles-markets.com.